TU Dortmund University joins newly established ELLIS Unit NRW

The Department of Computer Science at TU Dortmund University has become part of the newly established ELLIS Unit NRW, further strengthening its international visibility in cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) research. By joining the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS) network, Dortmund is now part of one of Europe’s leading ecosystems for excellent AI research.

ELLIS Units form the scientific backbone of Europe’s AI ecosystem. Their mission is to create local hubs of scientific excellence where outstanding researchers collaborate closely, exchange ideas across disciplines, and develop long-term research agendas in machine learning and artificial intelligence. By bringing together expertise, infrastructure, and mentorship, the Unit model creates internationally visible centres of excellence with critical mass and long-term impact.

The newly established ELLIS Unit NRW unites leading AI institutions across North Rhine-Westphalia with the goal of building a world-class ecosystem for open and high-impact AI research. The Unit prioritises core machine learning research centred on open-source generalist foundation models as well as applied machine learning research in areas such as embodied AI and agriculture.

The participation of TU Dortmund University highlights the growing importance of Dortmund as a key location for AI and computer science research within the European landscape. With its expertise in machine learning, data science, and intelligent data analysis, the Department of Computer Science contributes substantially to the scientific profile of the new Unit. At the same time, membership in the ELLIS network opens new opportunities for international collaboration, joint research initiatives, and the recruitment of outstanding early-career researchers.

Prof. Dr. Katharina Eggensperger will represent TU Dortmund University as Co-Director of the ELLIS Unit NRW. The Unit’s leadership team further includes representatives from University of Bonn, RWTH Aachen University, University of Cologne, Bielefeld University, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Paderborn University, and Ruhr University Bochum.

The establishment of the ELLIS Unit NRW further strengthens North Rhine-Westphalia as a visible and competitive AI region in Europe. For the Department of Computer Science at TU Dortmund University, participation in the Unit marks an important strategic milestone: it sharpens the faculty’s research profile in artificial intelligence, deepens its international connections, and positions Dortmund as a long-term contributor to Europe’s leading AI research landscape.